The Washington Redskins have won the right, at least for now, to keep their trademark logo and team name. It is part of an ongoing struggle between certain Native Americans and several institutions over the supposed racism of such monikers.
Before saying another word, it must be conceded that the term Redskins is indefensible as a nickname. Some forms and fashions are indeed racist on their face and ought to be seen as such. But is it in general racist to use a tribal name, or such a general term as Braves, to name your group or organization?
No.
It is no more racist to call yourselves the Chippewas or Seminoles than it is anti-religious bigotry to have the San Diego Padres, or hatred against the Emerald Isle to call yourselves the Fighting Irish. Indeed it can be argued that in taking away Native nicknames we are further trying to erase their history from our books.
Sure, they become rallying cries of support for the home team and are mocked by the visitors, but so what? Are we so thin skinned that we cannot stand such ultimately meaningless playfulness? Are protestants up in arms because Wake Forest players are known as the Demon Deacons? Lighten up, folks.
It is regularly asserted that such names make Native Americans on campuses using tribal monikers feel inferior because of it. Do Christians at Wake Forest feel that way? Irish at Notre Dame? Catholics in San Diego? Even the Cleveland Indians, if what I understand is true and they are named in honor of Native American baseball player Louis Sockalexis, deserve a pass on the question.
So give it a rest, my friends. No one's rights are being violated by harmless team names, and it is fair to ask whether those who feel they are need to get a grip. In the meantime, go North Dakota Fighting Sioux!
Comments
I think the American Psychological Assocation provides the best argument against your "logic," sir.
"APA’s action, approved by the Association’s Council of Representatives, is based on a growing body of social science literature that shows the harmful effects of racial stereotyping and inaccurate racial portrayals, including the particularly harmful effects of American Indian sports mascots on the social identity development and self-esteem of American Indian young people."
This statement can be found on the APA's official site.
Melissa - I appreciate the input; but if I may it seems to beg the real question, of whether people ought to let such things bother them. I think it is fair to ask whether there is an actual problem, or a created problem with the issue. Are they really integrated into the general society if they can't accept a little chiding? Thank you for posting.
But what gives you the right to decide whether people should "let things bother them?" It's called basic human decency. If someone asks you to stop doing something, you stop. You don't make lame excuses like, "Oh, we're trying to honor you." You STOP.
Good grief, you'd think they'd wanted their land back. You'd think they wanted revenge for all their people that we slaughtered. But no, they just want us to change our mascots. It's the least we could do.
Al - I understand what you're saying, honestly, but this really isn't that big of a deal. Especially when you see so many other theoretically put upon groups saying nothing. Further, are their tribal members who don't want the practiced stopped? That's a fair question to ask too, as I doubt the tribes are in lockstep on the issue themselves. But I do thank you for posting; it is a fair point to consider.
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